Just like you, I’m over 60 yrs and have always had big powerful bikes. Test rode an interceptor today, instantly part ex’d my BMW R1200RT. Got replacement Zard cans, and it sounds fantastic and just makes my grin! You got it absolutely spot on!
Great review! One other type of rider that may be interested in this bike is one like myself. I’m 60 years-old and have had many, many motorcycles. This includes some super bikes and powerful standards. I find myself reminiscing about my first Norton and BMW R75/6. I have also found myself enjoying cruising around and enjoying scenery more and more. Last week, I sold my Ducati Multistrada and today, I am picking up one of these beauties. I want simplicity and standard design. I got to ride one before making my decision and also checked out the more expensive competition. The Interceptor 650 was the winner for me. Ride safely and ride often!
Thanks Jon, glad you enjoyed the review and I appreciate your feedback. It really is a great value and fun to rise machine. All one can really ask for. Great to enjoy the ride and take it all in bike and can still hustle when it needs to. Cheers 🍻
I purchased a new 2022 Interceptor in May, this year.... added a set of S&S pipes, replaced the taillight and turn signals with nice aftermarket bits and she is clean looking and just a joy to ride. The sound that lovely twin makes is perfect. When I returned to the dealer for it's 300 mile service, the new Classic 350 caught my eye... I could not stop thinking about the 350. So, in July I purchased an RE Classic 350 to have along with my 650. I have owned countless bikes along with a couple of HD's... these RE's have become my favorite bikes I have owned or ridden. Royal Enfield nailed it with these two bikes, in my humble opinion. The bikes are simple, beautiful and absolutely a joy to ride and own. The value of these bikes is remarkable to say the least. However, the quality and overall design are what drew me to purchase them.
That's awesome to hear Nate and couldn't have put it better than you just have. Great to hear you enjoy them and I bet with those pipes it's a dream to ride. Just lure fun without the faff of other machines. Cheers 🍻
As a motorcycle instructor I'm often asked the question - "what bike should I buy for a first bike?" Although this is an impossible question to answer as everyone has different taste, I usually point at this one as a good middleweight that is soft turned, simple design and easy to ride. I generally suggest they take one for a test ride at least.
Hi Mark, firstly thank you for watching and supporting. Secondly it's good to hear your point of view, appreciated. I really do think the Interceptor 650 is a great choice as a first bigger bike as its not too powerful but it has great torque and its comfortable and fun to ride. Will certainly help build confidence. Plus lots of customisation options as well. Have a great weekend. Cheers 🍻
@@markellott5620 hahaha. Seat I can help you with. A fair few aftermarket seats that are lower which is good. Weight...hhmmm might be more tricky, best way to reduce weight I can think of would be a nice new exhaust system 😀
@@Revviews Yes, it probably is. I mention it because the Z650s we use to teach are around 180kg, which is ideal for a middleweight, so the Interceptor is carrying some fat somewhere. As for seat height, modern motorcycles across the board seem to forget the short legged folk - frequently women - for whom this bike would probably be the perfect machine.
I've had one just over three years. I've had zero technical problems so far. Replaced the cans with AEW T102s and upgraded the front forks with a kit from YSS. Got the touring seat, which was an improvement, and a short windscreen. Very happy with the bike. Plenty of power.
I'm planning on buying an Interceptor but i'd have to say my choice would be the Orange, not only for the tank colour but also as it's the only option that appears to have silver finish for the wheels and hubs too.
I just bought a new Intersepter and managed still to get my old favourite colour Silver Gray matching gards and beautiful wheel s.... Been riding bikes for 65 year'.. had the lot This bike so relaxed to ride but still FUN. Stunning looks and that price say no more!!
A humbrol spray brush from a hobby store and an old fridge compressor, some good quality paint and you can pick any colour you like. why not make it unique. if you like to tinker youll love spraying your bike and youll be extreemly proud of it.
I'm One of those many older Rider's who have bought an Interceptor 650 , I bought mine New two years ago, I've also put reverse cone megas on,a DNA Air Filter, and a 16 tooth cog conversion on as well, I do a lot of solo riding, and it drops the revs a bit, I've been riding motorcycles for 49 years, and rode some large capacity bike's, and different makes, And as you've discovered, the Interceptor is great 👍 I've just ordered a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 for a second bike, because I don't like to run my Interceptor through winter 😂, so I'm after an all weather fighter lol 🤣, Great review 👌 Cheers Paul Foster
Thank you Paul, great to hear about your bikes and the enjoyment you get from them...its true as we mature its more about the overall ride, than performance. Only so much you need for enjoyment in the end. Thanks for watching. Cheers 🍻
Nice review and tallies with my feelings too. Already added DNA filter, crash bars and windshield and will swap out the exhaust for a 2-in-one setup to boost power and reduce weight. Another bonus with the bike keeping things basic and simple is you can do your own servicing if you make the effort to learn. My only concern is tubed tyres, I think I'd need recovery if I pick up a puncture..
if poss..carry a tube of tyre weld... not great but it can save the day and get you home..nothing worse than grubbing around in the gutter especially if its dark.. and usually wet..
Very good and fair review. As a fan of retro look bikes, the Int.650 is definitely on my wish list. Great looks and sound. As you said , everything you need at a very reasonable price. Thanks. 👍👍🏍🇨🇦
Fabulous bike. I recognise those roads, I took a demo for a ride from Groombridges around those roads, some of which are horrendous. I liked it so much I have put a deposit down for their red ex-demo. Looking forward to picking it up on Friday.
Haha, that's awesome mate. Great that you are local and saw the video. Yeah some dodgy bits around these days. Roads need sorting. Great news mate and hope you enjoy it to the max. Cheers 🍻
I have a Continental GT mainly for the looks, it’s not quite as comfortable as the Interceptor but I love it. So many people are interested in the bike and ask lots of questions which is great. I swapped the tyres for Avon Roadriders though which in my opinion improve the handling and ride quality. I also went for the YSS fork kit and Hagon rear shocks which overall doesn’t cost an awful lot but genuinely improves the bike. A fabulous bike all said and for the money, fantastic.
Hey Ross, that's actually really good info for viewers and awesome to hear mate. Sometimes just a few small tweaks to a bike can make a huge difference. Thank-you. Cheers 🍻
Thank you Chris, much appreciated mate. I have a new mic setup (multiple now) and the levels weren't perfect for this one, however agreed and noted, the GT Continental onwards should be epic sound 😎 cheers 🍻
Nice review - many thanks. I'm picking mine up in April and can't wait! I've gone for the Canyon red colour though. All your comments on the bike were spot on as I remember having the same thoughts when I was test riding one from Moonrakers bikes in Norwich. Thanks again!
Hi Jon, I was thinking about getting this bike. As for colors, I like the Ventura Blue like the one in this video; I also like the Baker Express and Mark II. They all look great! If I were spending my own money for one, I'd go for either the Baker Express or the Mark II. My RE dealer had a Mark II, and it looks absolutely SMASHING in person! If you're going to go to the trouble of fitting aftermarket cans, you may as well fit a DNA high flow filter and airbox opening; I did with my Meteor, and it REALLY woke up the bike! While it didn't turn the Meteor in to a superbike, it not only has better throttle response; it pulls better in all gears, including fifth. Plus, it sounds good too! You might not need the aftermarket cans after installing a DNA filter and airbox cover... :) If you change out the filter and airbox snorkel though, make sure you let it run for 10-12 minutes at idle, so the ECU can learn and adjust itself for the higher airflow; if you're doing this on a cold day, let it run longer, like 15 minutes or so. In any case, you want the bike to reach operating temp. Then, go for a brief 2-3 mile ride to make sure everything is all right. Then, go for a long ride and enjoy the bike now that it can breathe! As for future bikes, I understand that RE is working on a Super Meteor that'll incorporate this engine. Anyway, thanks for the good review. Cheers... :)
Hi Mark, Thanks for watching and your feedback mate. That's really good information regarding the mods, lots will want to know that and really cool to know that it made a difference on the Meteor 350. With these more that most it's a fine line between not enough power and too much as the charm this them as im sure you know well is just the ride and enjoying it. But that little extra power bump I think os needed on the 350. Thanks again for your support mate. Cheers 🍻
@@Revviews fellow RU-vidr and Brit Stuart Fillingham did a video about the DNA filter and airbox mod he did to his own Interceptor 650. If you're looking to do the mod, watch his video first. Also, if you do the mod, make sure you order from DNA Filters directly. Though Hitchcock's carries the DNA filters and airbox covers, they don't carry the service kit needed to clean and re-oil the filter. I wasn't looking to break speed records with the Meteor, and I wouldn't be looking to do so on an Interceptor, either. I've been there, done that, and I lived to tell about it. Long ago, I had a ZRX1100, which, even now, is no slouch of a bike. Even with my big, 19.5 stone butt at the time, I could do 0-60 (0-100 km) in 3 seconds, and 0-100 (0-160 km) in seven! I'm about 1-1.5 stone less now, though I need to lose more. Anyway, at my age (60 next month), I'm just looking to relax and enjoy the ride; the Meteor helps me do that in a most delightful way... :)
I've had mine since 2021 so this is the fourth summer No problems at all! Well except the seat I changed that right away! Oh and the tires! But other than that Good to go!
With a stock seat that is just an arse shredder :-) I took delivery yesterday and after just 45 mins of gentle riding my bum is screaming blue murder ! C'mon RE dont make me buy a new touring seta 12hrs after taking delivery. Apart from that one gripe the Interceptor is fantastic. Thanks for the good simple no nonsense video,cheers.
Great demonstration, thank you. I was a bit distracted by all the beautiful architecture you were passing, we definitely don’t have that here in St. Louis Missouri
I bought a used INT 650 about 4 monthes ago. I did a few mods to make it able to ride dirt and gravel roads. Very nimble bike , just plain fun to ride.
Hello mate. Oh tough one that. Hard to think of selling the classics. But this is a great machine. Maybe just one more bike for the collection? Cheers 🍻
@@Revviews Ya don’t think a 4th bike is gonna fly with the misses. Selling one will get me close to the price of the Interceptor. The Hondas are great but they can be a bit of a head ache. Run great for weeks then something goes on it. Replace the part, then 3 days later something else. 😡
Nice review, thanks. I know everyone is getting very excited about the return of the BSA Goldstar and it does look interesting despite the suitcase radiator and drainpipe exhaust but it’s going to need to be a hell of a bike to compete with the RE Interceptor.
Hello mate, yeah totally agree and with its value offering the Interceptor has a lot going for it. Might not be for everyone but it is a cracker. Thanks for your support mate. Cheers 🍻
That radiator just RUINS the bike! WTF couldn't they do like Honda, and hide it between the downtubes? Th. at's what Honda did with the Shadow Aero 750. It has a bigger engine, and it's a hotter running V-twin. Honda could cool off that engine with the radiator hidden in between the downtubes and make the bike look good. What's BSA's excuse?
@@Revviews The Interceptor will be a great deal.... until the middle man keeps put'n his fat thumb on the price scale at which point the difference between the Interceptor and a 900 ... whatever.. will be moot.
I picked up my 2020 Interceptor, in Ravishing Red ! ! .. $5900,oo, (Minnesota) No dealer markup... ( now they'er marked up to $6400.oo ) The bike has passed my expectations. Brisk performance, nice handler, brakes well. I simply tell others... it's the 650 parallel twin all other manufactures wanted to make since they introduction the 650 Twin. ( In my stable, among others, Xs650, 650 Bonneville, BSA Lightning and the fabled Triton ) I've added crash bars, knee pads, tour seat and rear luggage rack. I opened the shed, dusted off my old tank bag and Bag-Man saddle bags and now await to add miles and smiles. ( it's 12 below zero here ) 😎
Lol great to read this and hear your opinion as well. And this is from a Bonnie owner. I agree, its a great package and I do t think many if any can compete with the value offering of the Interceptor 650. And yours must be a beauty. Thank you for your support mate. Cheers 🍻
My 2020 650 Interceptor has 21,000 miles with no problems. I have the complete "2 into 2" stainless headers and cannon silencers by TEC, the YSS fork kit with emulators. I own a 2020 Speed Twin 1200cc and two 2012 Bonnies; an SE and Thruxton 900, the Enfield gets all the heavy use due to comfort, the best gearbox and highest fun-factor per dollar. Putting the S&S 750 kit in soon, gathering parts gradually!
@@paulfitzpatrick9231 those are the newer ones. I have my father's 1968 Honda, a wide gap (marriage) then began riding again as a widower 10 years ago. A few are for sale with the used market very strong in early 2022.
Hey, I just watched this review, loved it, and was looking forward to the gt review and then a comparison, but I see you havn't posted in 8 months...I do hope you're ok. fingers crossed
Hi Matt, thank you mate. Appreciated. Think my last video was October. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT. Needed some time away and with family. But hoping to get back into things in the new year. All the best. Cheers 🍻
Great review man! I enjoyed both, the review of the RE Himalayan and this one. From your own experience now, how would you compare both of these bikes side by side - as a beginner bike? Look-wise, I am so much into the Himalayan, but I am afraid it lacks a bit of power. Cheers! :)
Thank you mate, really appreciated. I think you've hit the nail on the head with this one. Both are great to ride of course however the bigger engine on the Interceptor does make road riding more fun for sure. Of course the Himalayan has the advantage of off-road capability as well. Comfort wise they are very similar. You could tweak the power on the Himalayan with a few mods but have to decide if you wanna do that. Both are great, desirable and good value 👌 cheers 🍻
Very nice bikes, I test rode one last summer. Love that blue tank. It was a very close thing but In the end I went for my Guzzi V7 instead. Ignore the spec sheets and enjoy the bikes for how they make you feel. (I’ve had plenty of mega power bikes BTW and enjoy these more).
Hi Jon, ah very nice mate, what a cracking bike. Beautiful. Totally agree, I've got a Z H2 and had as much fun on the Interceptor 650 as that, for different reasons of course. Thanks for your support mate. Cheers 🍻
Just love those upswept silencers, just worried how panniers for touring would sit on 🤔, question is the bend making the silencer sweep upwards in the silencer itself or in the end of the header pipe ie then I could slide some other silencers on if the bend is in the silencer 🤔. Here in Indonesia this is a luxury bike (anything over 250) price £13000 (yes double the price). I would really love an anniversary model 😭😭
Hi Michael, slipper clutches help when downshifting manually by reducing the effect of engine braking and preventing the rear wheel locking up. These are normally found on sportier bikes and are of course really handy for track work. However they are also great to have on road bikes due to how easy it makes downshifting, you do need to clutch however you can also be quite lazy too as the slip effect does a lot of the work for you. Still best practice to rev match and shift smoothly but in a nutshell hopefully that helps a little and having one is a massive bonus. Great value on this bike for sure. Cheers 🍻
Yes was looking at these too the ride of the meteor 350 is comfy tho I have heard they are bringing the meteor out in 650 now that would appeal more what ya think 🤔 next year possibly 🤷♂️🥂
I have heard about many more 650 models coming so its a tough one. Could always wait it out a little longer as will be news/leaks soon about the 2023 models. Cheers 🍻
Excellent !it's on my bucket list for 2022 BUT! I'm stuck! Choices choices is it the W800?for me?or is an Interceptor?Or is it....the new BSA goldstar??I'm hanging onto my dosh until spring!
Hey Paul, ah nice position to be in mate. But agreed, very tough choice to make. Best thing, try and line up all the test rides in one weekend and your heart will do the rest. Cheers 🍻
How does it do on rougher roads or terrain? I'm thinking about a Himalayan but it seems like it could do with more HP which is why I'm considering an Interceptor or Continental GT. Nice video, liked and subscribed.
Hi Jack, you could do rougher stuff but it's not really designed for it (groubd clearance etc) Best to look at the Himalayan or other for that kinda stuff. Rumours of a 650 Himalayan coming so might be worth seeing what 2023 brings.
@@Revviews Hopefully not too far off in the future. Or maybe I could just go for an Interceptor 650 if I really get the itch, and then I'll just mod it while waiting for a stronger Himalayan then flip it eventually. Thanks!
Ive not ridden a bike for 25 years and my last bike was a 125 on which I passed my category A test in 1992, Im 58 now and I want a bike again but im torn between the RE classic 350cc and this 650cc, Im worried ill be dissapointed by the 350cc on dual carriageways.
Hello mate. That's very cool to gear. Glad you are getting back into you. The 350cc is fine but you've nailed it really...the 650cc is far better for the open road and give you more smile per gallon. Hope that's helps. Cheers 🍻
@@Revviews hah! I should have been clear that it wasn’t a big part. Someday I might have both, but I can’t imagine getting rid of the Meteor, it’s so great for commuting and back road cruising, the 90-100 MPG would be hard to give up
@@ChadWinters Yeah the Meteor is a great bike. You could also do a few mods to increase the power akttle then you get the MPG and a bit more zoom 😉 But having both bikes would be amazing.
Are tyres fitted with a tube ?... can you / would you change to tubeless tyres ..... nightmare if stuck middle of nowhere ?..any comments.... this is the only thing that is putting me off buying this bike...
Rims have a tubeless profile. So if you seal the spoke holes in rim you can install tubeless tires. I used 3m marine sealant in the spoke hole recesses and bingo! Mounted a pair of Bridgestone tubeless tires a battlax and, can't remember model of front. Have not had to top up tire pressure yet in a couple of months.
Hi, tx for the nice report about the interceptor. Just curious about your opinion, the interceptor or the Yamaha T700 . What's your favorite ? I'm hesitating between them and can't make up my mind.... 😏 Kind regards!
@@thomaskargul7650 Thought so, just wanted to be sure. I mean they are quite different bikes. Interceptor being more of a relaxed almost cruiser type. Tenere being off road capable means you could do more with it perhaps. Between the two personally I would get the Tenere, bit that's just me as I'm tall and would love to have the option of off road. Both a great machines.
Either this or the KTM 390 or Honda 500 CBX for me. The only downside of this is perhaps the tank size. Want to do some touring so maybe can look into the extras. Like the Himalayan also👍 Great review! P.s Am looking into the Zontes GK 350 as a trade-in option. Depends on my garage.
Some great bikes to choose from there mate. Exciting times 😁 Agreed, it doesn't have a huge tank. Pros and cons for all bikes, the fun part is testing and find the one that suits you best. The perfect one is out there for you. As always that's for your support. Cheers 🍻
@@MauriceTarantulas Yes mate, spot on. The Interceptor has the extra power which is more fun for the road but the Himalayan has great styling and the offroad capability. Tough choice but a fun one to make 😃
@@MauriceTarantulas been touring on the interceptor in NZ this summer and it's really good, no problem on gravel roads as well. Will let you sit at 115-120km comfortably with plenty of passing power. Will hit the ton no problem.
Think it's actually ByBre who are owned by Brembo but neither got their name on the calipers and I wanted to play it safe haha. Either way they are really good and I was surprised on the second test. Thanks for your support mate. Cheers 🍻
@@dannymassive yep, that's the one. I mention them if other RE video as they are branded ByBre, who are owned by Brembo but of course they are so not the same. Thanks for watching buddy. 😃
Almost the perfect bike, the lack of performance relative to the class is irrelevant to me. For me the only down side is the low service intervals (4000 miles) and £400 dealer service charge.
Hey Rusty, yeah I hear you on the servicing side. It's a good all-rounder but RE do need to be a little careful with pricing so as not to lose that edge they have currently. Cheers 🍻
Those are very relevant points I think and if BSA can negate this with a model that has longer service intervals I do believe that will persuade potential buyers even more.It will be interesting to see as the year progresses?
It’s service interval is 10,000km which is a little over 6,000 miles, the intermediate service is just an oil change, inspection and check of everything including the tappets, normally they won’t need adjustment.
this bike costs just under £3000 in india so how come it costs over £6000 in the UK, I was quoted £350 to transport one bike that distance overseas and huge discounts on large numbers, cant tell me the UK government adds £3000 import duty, the official rate seems to be 4.5% that's about £135 so where does this £3K come from. . . dealers mark up !
Yeah, there is a small mark up from dealers at the moment, but it's in the hundreds, not thousands. The majority is the difference in cost to our UK dealers from RE UK. It literally is thousands of pounds higher. Then you add 20% VAT for UK tax and that's how you end up with the higher prices. Its not greed I can assure you. Benchmark another brand and you will see the same thing. Unfortunately, we just end up paying much more here in the UK.
Hello, what's not friend? Pricing is accurate as of the current pricing on the RE UK website right now. All accurate as of the time of filming also. Cheers 🍻
I,m hugely impressed with the offerings from Royal Enfield at present.......I,m a 60 year old Ex Motorcycle Instructor and have owned over 35 Bikes since the 70,s, mostly Japanese.......And would definitely drop the required amount of Beer Tokens for the Interceptor.....Or the Hunter, or the Scram 411, or the......Well, you get the picture ;)
Great to hear from you mate. They do offer pretty good value in the current markets. Nothing too fancy but great fun to ride and that's really what most want. Cheers 🍻
Seems that everyone is missing the fact that on more then a few occasions and on different models the RE frames crack, brake and snap off. The engine and transmission seems well engineered but if the frame steel and welds are poor quality then its a death trap.
Hi Jeff, thanks for watching. Had a look into this one after your comment. I can see data on frames breaking, the majority being on the Himalayan. Although in most cases it appears they have had a hard life. As we all know they are not really hard-core offroaders. I then also searched for other brands all of which have evidence on frames snaping. So maybe it's more a case of how they are treated? Cheers 🍻
Hi , have you felt any seat vibration at the speed of 90-100 ?. Recently I have test ridden a brand new Interceptor 650 and felt seat vibration at 90-100.
Your laughing while you ride it , how many bikes make you do that today. I went for a test ride and ended up putting more fuel in it , result was i had to buy one.
It's very true mate. Some bikes just give you that happy vibe and bring a smile to your face. That's what it's all about. Congratulations on your purchase and enjoy! Cheers 🍻
@@motorwest Thanks mate, yeah great shout. I'm doing a First look video on the Classic 350 which will be on the channel next weekend and as soon as they have a demo available I'll be doing the full review as well.
Hello, according to Royal Enfield themselves....its air cooled buddy. Use this link, download the brochure. See engine. You're welcome. Pleased you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. www.royalenfield.com/uk/en/motorcycles/interceptor/
